Field of Screams is celebrating its 30th season this year and opened its doors once again to horror fans on Sept. 9. The opening weekend was filled with live music, food, games and multiple signature attractions, including the Haunted Hayride, Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum and Nocturnal Wasteland. The attraction, located in Mountville, is showcasing multiple renovations that the activities have undergone this year.

Field of Screams was created by brothers Gene and Jim Schopf in 1993. The brothers had been operating a produce business on several acres of farmland that had been in their family since 1984. At the time of Field of Screams' inception, Gene was working as a teacher and Jim was still attending college. The attraction began with its now-notorious Haunted Hayride and has seen the addition of multiple other activities and expansions.

The Haunted Hayride takes participants on a 23-minute voyage through a dimly lit cornfield. Participants encounter actors as they travel through a medley of displays that have been added to the ride over the years, including Willie's Slaughter House, the S.H.A.D.E. Cryogenic Mutant Testing Facility, Toxic Waste Dump, and Psycho Circus. The ride concludes with the confrontation of its main antagonist Dirty Dan and his camp.

In 2013, Field of Screams added the attraction known as The Nocturnal Wasteland Haunted Forest. Visitors walk through several displays in a wooded area and witness several scenes, featuring special effects and dedicated actors. The path through the Nocturnal Wasteland takes visitors onto several elevated trails that grant a view over the forest below. In 2015, Field of Screams added Extreme Blackout, a once-per-season special rendition of the attractions. Each of the four attractions is modified to be more intense than usual, including more dynamic interaction with actors and extreme methods of frightening guests. This year Extreme Blackout will be held on Friday, Nov. 11, and a waiver must be completed by participants beforehand.

In between the main events, visitors of Field of Screams are offered several less-intense activities. Food and drinks may be purchased in the concession area from different vendors, and live music is hosted on the adjacent stage. The attraction also offers multiple horror-themed mini games, such as the Zombie Football Throw, Bottle Break, and Goblet Toss, where participants have a chance to earn prizes.

For more information, visit https://fieldofscreams.com.